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18: Care of Veterans

DOI:

10.1891/9780826152244.0018

Abstract

Veterans of the armed forces are a special population and warrant special attention. Many who served do not consider themselves veterans, especially those who served during peace times, did not see combat, or were in the National Guard. Regardless, they have distinct needs due to physical or psychological injuries from the experiences and exposures that the average person doesn’t encounter. Many of these individuals seek care outside the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) healthcare system, thus Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AG-ACNPs) need to be able to meet their specific needs. This chapter will help the AG-ACNP learn questions pertinent to patients who have served in the armed services, specific illnesses/syndromes that are specific to each war, and management of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. The AG-ACNP should seek expert guidance from VHA providers to aid in meeting their needs.